Ugandan trader beaten, left unconscious in Yei

Sources say the trader was demanding for money from a South Sudanese national over spare parts.

KOBOKO

The Ugandan business community in South Sudan is crying foul after another trader was beaten and left unconscious.

The trader, only identified as Emmanuel, who deals in motorcycle spare parts, was allegedly beaten near the Freedom Square in Yei Town by a person alleged to be a South Sudan soldier. Emmanuel, who also doubles as a driver, was left unconscious in a pool of blood. He was taken by sympathisers to NPA Yei Civil Hospital.

It is alleged that the officer was called in to block payment Emmanuel was claiming for a spare part he sold to a South Sudanese. This comes at a time when officials from South Sudan are being accused of doing little to protect Ugandans in the country.

This has created fear among the Ugandan business community in Yei Town, with some said to be leaving.
The Ugandans complain of harassment, mistreatment and over taxation. More than 7,000 Ugandans are said to be leaving in Yei.

Mr Jovino Aju, a trader, left the South Sudan due to what he said is insecurity posed by robbers targeting foreign businessmen. “We also see the rampant imprisonment of Ugandans under unclear circumstances. I rather suffer in Uganda than continue being in South Sudan,” Mr Aju said.

Recently minister for Trade Amelia Kyambadde asked the police chief, Lt. Gen. Kale Kayihura, and his counterpart in South Sudan, Gen. Pieng Deng Majok, to address the security concerns of the Uganda traders in South Sudan.

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